Coinbase Adds Stocks and ETFs to Its Crypto Platform

Coinbase now lets all U.S. users trade shares and exchange‑traded funds on the same app they use for digital money, moving toward a one‑stop trading spot. The service works around the clock on weekdays and charges no fees for qualified trades.

Payments – Users can pay with dollars or the stablecoin USDC, and even buy tiny portions of a company for as little as one dollar.
Launch – Follows a limited test in December and the new prediction market that appeared earlier this month.
Partnerships –
Yahoo Finance: Adds a “Trade on Coinbase” button to stock and crypto pages; pulls live data from Coinbase for market displays (cost unknown).
Apex Fintech Solutions: Handles clearing, custody and execution; lets users access U.S. equities while Apex manages brokerage details.
Competition – Steps into the same arena as Robinhood, which also expanded its crypto options. Both now vie for retail traders seeking a single platform for traditional and digital investments.
Impact on Coinbase’s Own Shares –
The company’s stock has often moved with Bitcoin, reflecting its reliance on crypto‑trading revenue.
A broader product lineup may position Coinbase more as a mixed tech platform than just a crypto exchange.
While both Coinbase and Robinhood shares have dropped about 35% this year amid weak digital‑asset markets, trading in stocks has provided steadier income during quieter crypto periods.
Recent Performance –
Shares have swung sharply as crypto markets fluctuated.
Analysts lowered price targets after weaker trading, but the stock rebounded when Bitcoin rose quickly.
CEO Brian Armstrong defended spot Bitcoin ETFs, emphasizing real holdings over “paper bitcoin” and highlighting Coinbase’s custodial role.
Product Details –
More than 8,000 stocks and ETFs available at launch, with plans to add more securities later.
Future tokenized stocks could trade 24/7 on blockchain networks, pending regulatory approval.
Strategic Context – Coinbase’s move follows a fourth‑quarter net loss of $667 million and falling transaction revenue. Adding stock and ETF trading is a strategy to diversify earnings and attract users who want one platform for all their investments.

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